Mid-July Gardening: What to Plant, Replant and Prep for a Fall Harvest

Mid-July feels like the peak of the season. Still, there’s plenty you can plant, replant, prune, and prep for Fall Harvest. Whether you’re just getting started or have space open after harvesting, now’s a great time to dig in. You also want to keep fresh veggies and herbs coming into fall. Limited in space, check out some great container gardening ideas.

What You Can Still Plant in July

Even in the heat of summer, you still have time to plant fast-growing crops. These crops will mature before the first frost. These are perfect for filling in gaps or squeezing in a bonus harvest.

Refresh Your Soil First:

• Mix in compost or aged manure.
• Top off with an organic fertilizer if needed.
• Rake smooth and water deeply before sowing new seeds.

Quick-Growing Vegetables:

• Bush Beans – Quick to sprout and love the warmth.
• Beets – Tender and earthy, plus you can eat the greens.
• Carrots – Choose short-season varieties for a fall harvest.
• Lettuce – Stick to heat-tolerant types like romaine or butter crunch.
• Radishes – One of the fastest crops to grow (ready in as little as 25 days).
• Spinach & Swiss chard – Chard holds up well in the heat; spinach prefers some shade. 

Heat-Loving Herbs to Plant Now:

• Basil – Loves heat and full sun; pinch off flowers to keep it producing.
• Cilantro – Plant in partial shade to prevent bolting too fast.
• Dill – Easy to grow, fragrant, and great for summer pickling. 

Replanting After Harvest

If you've already harvested crops like garlic, early peas, or lettuce, don't leave those spaces empty! Replant with these:

• Beans
• Beets
• Carrots
• Fast greens (arugula, kale, lettuce)
• Cucumbers (if you’ve got 50–60 warm days left) 

Prune & Train:

It’s like giving your plants a little nudge in the right direction. This helps them grow stronger. They become more productive and better shaped.

• Trim tomato suckers to focus energy on fruit.
• Tie up vines (cucumbers, pole beans) to keep them tidy and productive. 

Start Thinking About Your Fall Garden

It is hot now, but it’s time to start thinking about your fall garden! Many cool-weather crops need to be started in mid to late July to be ready in time for harvest.

Cool-Season Crops to Start:

• Kale – Gets even sweeter after a light frost.
• Broccoli & Cauliflower – Start indoors now and transplant in late summer.
• Cabbage – Choose smaller, faster-growing varieties.
• Turnips – Great for fall soups or roasted.
• Collards – Hardy greens that thrive well into fall. 

How do you know when to start? Count backward from your first frost date and give crops 60–90 days to mature.

Porch Gardner’s: Container Gardening

Not a lot of yard space? Container gardening is still going strong!

Great Plants for Containers:

• Herbs – Basil, thyme, oregano, mint (keep mint in its own pot!)
• Salad greens – Perfect for shallow pots and partial shade.
• Dwarf tomatoes or peppers – Look for patio or compact varieties.
• Pollinator flowers – Zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds are great additions.

Useful Tips:

• Use high-quality potting soil and make sure containers drain well.
• Water often and feed regularly.
• Group containers to create a microclimate. 

Some ideas for creating microclimates in your garden:

• A south-facing brick wall reflects heat and can keep nearby soil warmer—great for heat sun loving plants.
• Create a shady corner to protect your plants from harsh sun, perfect for lettuce or spinach.
• If your plants are looking for cooler and more humid than open areas try planting under a tree.
• Grouping pots close together can trap heat and moisture, creating a warmer and more stable environment for plants. 

Final Thought:

Gardening in July is all about smart timing, second chances, and prepping for a strong fall harvest finish. Whether you’re planting one more row of beans or starting broccoli indoors, there’s still plenty of growing to do. Grab your gloves, get started and enjoy every moment in the garden!

It’s your garden’s time to shine, thrive, and make this your best fall harvest ever. I’m rooting for you, LeeAnn

Compliments of LeeAnn DeLeo, A Trusted Name in Real Estate
Broker, Blogger, Stagent® & REALTOR®
(203) 253-4567
leeann.deleo@gmail.com
www.leeanndeleo.com

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